VAT

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of VAT registration applications were processed within the target time in each of the last three calendar months;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of VAT registration applications received in 2007 were not processed within  (a) 40,  (b) 50 and  (c) 60 days;
	(3)  what the average processing time for VAT registration applications has been for each VAT registration unit since 31 July.

Jane Kennedy: The number and proportion of VAT registration applications processed within target time (14 days) in August, September and October 2007 are set out in the following table. The figures for August and September have been updated since the answer I gave on 23 October 2007,  Official Report, column 257W, to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles).
	 [Official Report, 15 January 2008; Vol. 470, c. 10MC.]
	
		
			  Month  Number processed within target time  Percentage processed within target time 
			 August 3,844 16 
			 September 5,597 22 
			 October 14,493 44 
		
	
	These latest figures represent an upturn in HMRC performance, and early signs of success for the improvement measures outlined in my earlier response. This upturn has taken place against an operational background that continues to present challenges, and alongside the ongoing need to operate pre-registration checks to protect the Exchequer against serious frauds such as Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud.